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Chubb & Schenck to Bell, September 7, 1850

On September 6, 1850, the United States Congress passed a bill that settled the long-running dispute over Texas' western boundary. This act provided that Texas would be paid $10 million in 5% U.S. bonds in exchange for ceding the disputed territory to the national government. At least half the money was to be used to pay off the debts of the Republic of Texas.

The day after the bill's passage, the Washington banking firm of Chubb & Schenck sent Bell this letter, complete with references, offering to help Texas handle its new-found riches.

Sir
We wrote you on
the 19th ultimo offering you our services for the negotiation
of the ten million U.S. Stock offered to your State by
the Government of the United States

We would respectfully suggest that if this Stock be
disposed of in New York and London in such amounts
as the market will bear, will command a premium
of from 3 to 4 per cent thus netting to your state
a large profit, provided there will be no monetary chan-
ges at present unforeseen.

Should the State issue proposals for the whole
amount at once, it is evident that it would depress
the market, and afford very little if any premium.

We respectfully refer you to the enclosed letters from
the Hon. Geo. W. Jones and the Hon. R.W. Thompson.